President Donald Trump stated on Friday that a recently signed civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is contingent upon the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords and recognizing Israel. In a post on Truth Social, Trump specified that the deal pertains only to non-military use and will not allow for the enrichment of materials. The agreement, announced by the U.S. Energy Department on Wednesday, aims to facilitate American corporate involvement in Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy program.
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the Trump administration in 2020, established diplomatic normalization between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Saudi Arabia has historically maintained that it would not recognize Israel without the creation of an independent Palestinian state. As of Friday, the Saudi government has not issued a formal response to the president's statement regarding the new condition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office welcomed the prospect of Saudi Arabia joining the accords, calling it a "historic leap forward for peace." Previously, Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat expressed that Israel could accept a peaceful Saudi nuclear program. While the deal now moves to the U.S. Congress for a review period, some lawmakers have expressed concern regarding regional nuclear proliferation, though Republicans currently hold the majority required to prevent a block of the agreement.